Anvil Fire Blog

Are you an owner looking to build a warehouse? Better plan for a fire sprinkler system if you are going to store combustible materials greater than 12-feet in height. Per Chapter 23 of the International Fire Code “High Piled Storage” is defined in IFC 2302 as: “Storage of combustible materials in closely packed piles or combustible materials on pallets, in racks or on shelves where the top of storage is greater than 12 feet (3658 mm) in height.” When required by the fire code official, high-piled combustible storage also includes certain high-hazard commodities, such as rubber tires, Group A plastics, flammable liquids, idle pallets and similar commodities, where the top of storage is greater than 6 feet (1829 mm) in height. Minimum Submittal Requirements At minimum the design professional's permit submittal must include the following per IFC 105.6: Floor plan of the building showing locations and dimensions of high-piled storage areas. Usable storage height for each sto

The NFPA committee made a decision and antifreeze for dwelling units is prohibited. SUMMARY ACTION: The Standards Council voted to issue TIAs 1000, 995 and 994 on NFPA 13, NFPA 13R and NFPA 13D, respectively, which, for new installations, prohibit the use of antifreeze solutions within all NFPA 13D applications and within the dwelling unit portions of NFPA 13 and NFPA 13R sprinkler systems. In addition, the Council directed that the responsible technical committees conduct further activities as set forth in the decision. More information on the NFPA web site at  http://www.nfpa.org/antifreeze View the Phase II report here  RFAntifreezeSprinklerSystemPh2.pdf

Did you know that there are no depth limitations for skylights?  Only limitations on the area (32 sq ft) need to be considered. Skylight is defined by Webster as " an opening in a house roof or ship's deck that is covered with translucent or transparent material and that is designed to admit light. " Excerpt from the 2010 edition of NFPA 13 : 8.6.7 Ceiling Pockets 8.6.7.1 Except as provided in 8.6.7.2 and 8.6.7.3, sprinklers shall be required in all ceiling pockets.  8.6.7.2 Sprinklers shall not be required in ceiling pockets where all of the following are meet:  (1) The total volume of the unprotected ceiling pocket does not exceed 1000 ft3 (28.3 m3). (2) The depth of the unprotected pocket does not exceed 36 in. (914 mm). (3) The entire floor under the unprotected ceiling pocket is protected by the sprinklers at the lower ceiling elevation. (4) The total size of all unprotected ceiling pockets in the same compartment within 10 ft (3 m) of each other does not exc

Tyco just came out with a RCP-1 Residential Control Panel.  Have to admit they have perfect timing with the new limitation issues for antifreeze system. Key items (in my opinion) from the data sheet: Listed for use with  CPVC  piping! Still a dry system and must be pitched. 1-inch size has a list price of $3,900.00 1½-inch size has a list price of $4,500.00 Cabinet is self contained with built-in air compressor maintaining 14 PSI Page 3 “Water delivery to the most remote single sprinkler for a residential hazard shall not exceed 15 seconds. The use of the TYCO SprinkFDT Fluid Delivery calculation program is  recommended  to assure a properly operating system can be achieved prior to constructing the actual installation.” … “As an alternative to using a Listed water delivery calculation program and method as referenced in NFPA 13D, Section 8.3.4.3.2, an inspector’s test connection providing a flow equivalent to the smallest orifice sprinkler may be utilized, wherein the test ori

The State of Montana is adopting the following standards as of  September 30, 2010 :  International Building Code, 2009 edition. International Mechanical Code, 2009 edition. International Fuel Gas Code, 2009 edition. NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2007 edition. NFPA 13R Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and Including Four Stories in Height, 2007 edition. NFPA 14 Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2007 edition. Visit State of Montana Building Codes Division  for additional information for the additional building code modifications made per  Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) 24.301.202

NFPA issued the following recommendation for residential sprinklers and antifreeze: “If there is an antifreeze solution in the system, as an interim measure, drain the system and replace it with water only. Problems associated with freezing of sprinkler pipes can be mitigated by alternative measures such as insulation. NFPA hopes to provide further guidance based on additional testing before the winter freezing months.” A copy of the California Explosion Report where “the blast caused window glass to be blown more than 86-feet … caused an interior door .. to be pulled out approximately 3-inch from the frame” can be found here  Antifreeze Report .